joshy89

Hey guys, I have an 89 mustang lx automatic with a bbk blackout CAI, MSD cap and rotor, advanced timing, stock 2.73 gears, and flowmaster mufflers so she's pretty much stock. I was looking into a catless x pipe to get a louder sound and maybe pick up one or two horsepower, but I'm worried about losing low end torque since I don't plan on throwing any gears in soon. Any suggestions?

MustangVixenGT

I don't think your going to lose that much torque might gain with it being unrestricted. But your in Cali so good luck with emissions :P It's never going to pass......

dawson1112

unfortunately California will look under your car, as soon as they see no cats you fail.

I have heard of some pple getting inspected with stock exhaust , then after inspection they take off the stock H pipe with cats and put on the off road catless pipes. Just have to reinstall the stock every year to pass emissions .
You could go to a set of high flow cats that are less restrictive.
For your stock application though if all your looking for is a more aggressive sound, get a different set of mufflers. If you like the flows , they have several series from quiet to loud.
Another way to get it a little deeper and more rumble is to get some larger tips for the tail pipes. I cant recall what the diameter is of the stock tails , but if you get your self some 3" tips about 2 feet long it will deepen the tone and make it a bit louder.

joshy89

Thanks guys. I just planned on putting the stock H pipe and cats on when I need to smog it. I figured an x pipe would be a good addition since I plan on getting headers soon and the stock midpipe is pretty restrictive.

Duncan_GT

Even with high flow cats, I've still heard of people failing emissions. Which is kind of a redundant part it seems like

reldla1996

If you're after a louder system, go with an H pipe, not an X pipe. H pipes are noticeably throatier and louder - I've had both. Larger pipes throughout also equal more noise; factory is 2.25", 2.5" is the common aftermarket size with 3" also being available.